Afghanistan’s election was hailed by the West as a victory for democracy as millions defied threats to cast ballots in the country’s second national elections since Taliban rule.

Afghanistan’s voters were confronted with Taliban threats and lethal attacks today as they turned out to select a president in an election that could decide the future of them and their Western allies.

TOP candidates in the Afghan presidential race yesterday addressed rallies attended by thousands of cheering supporters on the last day of campaigning for key elections overshadowed by Taliban threats.